Defeat Is NotAn Option

2012 Fighters

Main Event

Virgil Barrow

Virgil Barrow

“There is no escaping the hard truth that cancer touches all of us in some way. It stocks our families and robs life from those we love. I have personally seen and felt the pain that friends and clients have courageously faced in their battles. It is for them, and in the memory of others that have passed on, that I proudly Fight To End Cancer.”
– Virgil Barrow

Andreas Tsagarelis

Andreas Tsagarelis

“I as well, like all the fighters participating, personally know close friends and family that have battled many different forms of cancer, some with heroic outcomes, and others devastating. The one thing I have noticed all fights with cancer have in common though is that they all end in tears. My “Fight to End Cancer” is to make a difference so that the tears shed in all future fights, are only those of sheer joy, happiness, and relief. FIGHT WITH US!”
– Andreas Tsagarelis

Bout 1

Constantine Patiniotis

Constantine Patiniotis

“Having been given the opportunity to work for Arrow Capital (Toronto based hedge fund) while founding and operating The Vintage Conservatory (private wine cellar and social club), I have been privileged to work with some amazing people who have been touched by cancer.I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to do my part to help bring us one step closer to finding a cure in the Fight to End Cancer.” – Constantine Patiniotis

Ardem Tutunjian

Ardem Tutunjian

“I would like to dedicate this fight to all those who have cancer and in particular to Silvana Tedesco who has been a brave survivor these last two years. Her ability to cope and remain positive throughout has been an inspiration to me. The fight for the cure is one we all must participate in together. Although all of us aren’t scientists or doctors who can directly participate in the discovery of a cure, we all can pitch in with what we know best to help push the ball forward for an eventual resolution of this illness. As an accountant and a competitive boxer, I would like to help raise support for a cure and encourage everyone to contribute in whatever way they can as well! Thanks and I look forward to putting up an exciting show for everyone in attendance!”
– Ardem Tutunjian

Bout 2

Michael Kaldas

Michael Kaldas

“I’m fighting in the memory of a close friend of mine “Big” Chris O’Brien. It was really hard for all of us to lose Chris at such a young age (25 years old). The one thing that I realized, was that EVERY dollar makes a difference. The advancements they have now didn’t cure Chris, but kept him with us longer and gave us many more cherished memories. Watching him fight cancer was the extreme definition of determination. He never gave up hope, EVER. Anytime things get tough, I reflect on his determination and willpower. And I will do the same for this fight. We fight to end cancer, for those we love, who are fighting to live!”
– Michael Kaldas

Sean Cassman

Sean Cassman

“Boxing has had a number of positive effects on my life, so I feel very fortunate that I can use it to help better the life of someone else. Like most people, I’ve seen effects cancer has on people and their family, and there is no lack of motivation for me to help in whatever way i can.”
– Sean Cassman

Amateur Olympic Bout 3

Mark Smithers

Mark Smithers

Mark Smither has been boxing for 5 years and is a competitive amateur boxer. He trains out of the Uptown boxing club in Barrie under head coach, Jack Ireland. Known for his quick feet and fast hands Mark is happy to be a part of the “Fight to End Cancer” event and proud to be able to fight for such an amazing cause. He is also dedicating this fight to his grandfather John Mcbain who lost his battle to cancer.
– Mark Smithers

Josh O’Reilly

Josh O’Reilly

Josh “DUB” O’Reilly is the current 60kg Provincial Champion and the twin brother of Kassandra O’Reilly who is also part of the “Fight to End Cancer”. Josh is an experienced fighter and is looking forward to being involved in such an amazing and worthwhile event. He is also dedicating his performance to the late Robbie Wilcox and his grandparents who all lost their battles to cancer.

Bout 4

Peter Temoche

Peter Temoche

“For me it was the fight my mother had with breast cancer that makes every jab I take pale in comparison to her battle! I know she is alive today because of all the research, support and treatments that were offered to her. I am proud to be a part of the Fight to End Cancer.”
– Peter Temoche

Kyle Murdock

Kyle Murdock

“I am fighting in in my mothers name. Laurie Murdock just fought and won a difficult battle with Breast cancer and it’s my intent to honour that battle by fighting my own in an effort to raise funds and awareness for this great cause.”
– Kyle Murdock

Amateur Olympic Bout 5

Kassandra O'Reilly

Kassandra O'Reilly

Kassandra O’Reilly is the current 48kg Provincial Champion. She trains with the Steeltown Boxing Club under head coach, Bob Wilcox. Known for her nasty left hook, Kassandra is honoured to be part of the “Fight to End Cancer”. She is dedicating her performance to the memory of her coaches son, Robbie and both of her grandparents who all lost their courageous battles with cancer.

Janaya Khan

Janaya Khan

Janaya Khan is an amateur competitive boxer and future Olympic hopeful. Known for her explosive power and fast hands, she trains at Kingsway Boxing Club under head coach Jennifer Huggins. Janaya also runs community boxing workshops where the basics of boxing are made accessible and fun to community members. She strongly believes that the focus and determination that boxing requires can be used as a tool of empowerment. She is excited and humbled to be a part of Fight to End Cancer because it is a way that can help raise funds for research and facilities towards ending cancer.